Summary

A Jonathan Smith hat-trick saw Cove Rangers start the new season as joint league leader with a five-nil win over Huntly.

The hosts were without the suspended Mitchel Megginson while new signing Jamie Masson was absent. Huntly gave a debut to Martin Charlesworth but had to do without the suspended pair of Michael Clark and Blair Johnston while Captain Gary McGowan was on holiday.

Cove debutant Strachan fired wide early on while Huntly new boy Charlesworth forced Stuart McKenzie into a save minutes later.

Cove got in front in the 19th minute when a ball into the visitor’s box as Paul McManus stuck out a leg to turn in a shot inside the post.

A set piece midway through the first half saw the black and gold come close. Paul Napier worked a corner short to David Donald who in turn crossed for Michael Ewen who headed over.

With ten minutes of the half remaining, Dennis Wyness forced McKenzie into a save after David Donald’s long throw was not cleared.

Half-Time: Cove Rangers 1 Huntly 0

Huntly had to do start the second half without Co-Manager Andy Roddie who was sent to the stand by Referee David Watt after comments to Assistant Referee Brian Dean.

In the 62nd minute, Ross Still was cautioned for a foul on Ryan Strachan in the middle of the park. Connor Scully took the resulting free kick and his delivery was met by the head of Eric Watson to double the lead.

Three goals in the last sixteen minutes killed the game off. Glenn Murison allowed Jonathan Smith time on the ball inside the box as the forward netted with a composed finish.

Smith added his second of the game eight minutes from time netting from close range after an initial shot was blocked.

With less than 90 seconds remaining, substitute Sam Burnett got the better of Cory Ritchie before playing the ball back from the by-line for Jonathan Smith to complete his hat-trick.